Solis Minerals Ltd (TSX-V:SLMN, ASX:SLM) has encountered widespread copper sulphide mineralisation from its first two holes of the maiden 2,000-metre diamond drilling program at its flagship Mostazal Copper Project in Chile.
The company’s drill program is targeting both near surface manto-style copper mineralisation and an interpreted primary copper porphyry mineralisation feeder structure at depth.
Interestingly, both holes (MODD001 and MODD002) exhibit 'manto' type copper mineralisation from the surface with disseminated sulphides logged extending from surface to at least 444 metres depth.
“Widespread alteration”
Solis CEO Jason Cubitt said: “Drilling is progressing very well, with our first two drill holes now completed, and we are off to a fantastic start at Mostazal.
“These first drill holes were designed to test the near surface manto-style mineralisation encountered in the historic drilling, and our logging has confirmed the presence of widespread alteration and disseminated copper sulphide mineralisation throughout both holes.
“Assay sampling of MODD001 is now well underway, with an expected laboratory turnaround time of at least four weeks from the receipt of samples.
“The drill rig has now moved and commenced drilling at the third planned hole (MODD003).
“This drill hole is targeting the heart of the interpreted IP chargeability geophysical anomaly, which we believe may represent a feeder structure for the extensive manto-style copper mineralisation found closer to surface at Mostazal and drilled in our first two holes.”
Manto-style mineralisation
Drilling has encountered visible copper sulphide mineralisation in both of the first two holes completed (MODD001 and MODD002), comprising several mineralised zones from surface consisting of chalcocite+/-bornite occurring as amygdales, fracture fillings or in veinlets (with quartz-epidote-chlorite-calcite) and/or chalcopyrite.
Detailed logging of MODD001 indicates the successful intersection of the targeted 'manto' type copper mineralisation from the surface with disseminated sulphides logged extending from surface to the end of the hole (362 metres) and from surface to at least 444 metres depth in MODD002.
Individual 'mantos' are less than 2 metres thick and encountered in stacked packages that may reach approximately 10 metres in thickness
Looking ahead, final mineralised intervals remain to be defined based on pending assay results.
Mostazal Copper Project
Mostazal Copper Project is 80 kilometres northeast of Copiapo, Chile, and within the Domeyko fault, which is a major structural control for some of the world's largest and most productive copper mines.
The initial phase of drilling comprises four holes for an estimated 2,000 metres of drilling and will initially target both porphyry and manto-style copper mineralisation as well as the interpreted feeder system (porphyry) structures at depth.
Mostazal Copper Project – Solis Minerals Ltd (TSX-V:SLMN, ASX:SLM). diamond drill hole location plan.
Forward plan
A sampling of MODD001 is well underway, along with the finalisation of detailed looking and sample mark-up of MODD002.
Samples are being sent to a local accredited laboratory in Chile for processing and analysis for precious and base metals, as well as a suite of pathfinder elements.
The drill rig is now positioned at the third drill site to the south of MODD002 to commence hole MODD003.
This third hole is designed to test a high chargeability anomaly which potentially represents the presence of a feeder system/ porphyry copper mineralisation.